The compound in Abbottabad where Osama bin Laden was killed by US special forces is being demolished by Pakistan’s security services.

Local residents reported seeing three bulldozers arrive at the complex as darkness fell on Saturday evening and they immediately began to knock down the high outer walls.

Work to demolish Osama bin Laden’s home has begun (AFP/Getty Images)

The demolition workers were accompanied by a heavy security presence, with police and soldiers setting up a cordon to keep onlookers away.

Some reports suggested authorities in Abbottabad had imposed a curfew on the area to prevent people watching the operation to tear down the compound.

It is thought the al-Qaeda leader lived at the walled home in the north-western city for more than five years, despite being the world’s most wanted man.

In May 2011, the US finally tracked down the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks and Navy SEALs shot him dead during a raid on the compound.

Authorities in Pakistan decided to demolish the property last year amid concerns it could become a shrine to the terrorist figurehead, but delayed the work until a judicial investigation into his killing was completed.